(Seoul = Yonhap News) In the first round of the European Junior Karting Championship held in Portimao, Portugal on the 10th (local time), 15-year-old Russian athlete Artom Severyukin took first place.
When his country’s participation in the tournament was blocked due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Severyukin played for Italy.
However, Severyukin’s award ceremony with a youthful face like a boy quickly caused a sensation that shook the world. It was a Nazi salute on the podium.
As the Italian national anthem was sung at the awards ceremony, Severyukin suddenly struck his chest with his right fist and then reached out and lifted it high.
Stretching the right arm and raising the hand high was a greeting used in Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.
Severyukin took another sip and performed this Nazi salute, then bent down and laughed out loud as if he couldn’t hold back his laughter.
The video went viral and caused controversy.
The World Automobile Federation (FIA), which oversees the event, immediately announced that it was “unacceptable” and said it would launch an investigation into the incident.
Severyukin’s team, Ward Racing, said, “We condemn in the strongest language his unsportsmanlike behavior and we will proceed with the process of terminating his contract.”
When things went horribly wrong, Severyukin explained through personal SNS and a team spokesperson, “I was just grateful to the team and the family who came from Russia.”
“I want to apologize to everyone for what happened at the awards ceremony,” he added.
Let’s see the video.
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2022/04/12 12:18 Send
